genera scarcely known for their utility to man in any con- 
text. ‘Those which follow represent genera which already 
enjoy economic standing of some sort but whose herein 
named uses are not widely known. 
A number of examples is to be found from the Philip- 
pine Islands. An indeterminate species of Loranthus 
(G. EH. Edano 1999, Loranthaceae) bears leaves which 
are pounded ina mortar and applied to the stomach be- 
fore childbirth. Glochidion cauliflorum (M.D. Sulit 3297, 
THuphorbiaceae) is used as follows: ‘‘Decoction of roots 
mixed with roots of cacao and coffee given to women for 
quick delivery’’. An ‘‘... infusion of the roots...”° of 
Ocimum sanctum (G. I. Hdano 1618, Labiatae) ‘*. .. is 
given to mothers for childbirth’’. The use of Ocimum 
reminds one of recent work on Nepeta Cataria’ and Salvia 
divinorum,” both also mints. The last two genera ap- 
pear to contain psychopharmacological constituents. Is 
it possible that Ocimum may produce a similar intoxica- 
tion and be used in primitive childbirth somewhat as the 
plant-derived hypnotic scopolamine has been employed 
in modern labor? 
‘Two species in the Leguminosae might be cited from 
the Caroline Islands: Pterocarpus indicus (C.C. Y. Wong 
419) produces leaves which are pounded to fine particles 
and applied for vaginal ruptures. Women “‘. . . express 
the leaves. ..”” of Phaseolus adenanthus (C.C.¥. Wong 
302) **... and drink the sap for labor pains’’. 
In Ecuador, Helotropium argenteum (I. Prieto 2556, 
Boraginaceae) is employed to prepare an ‘‘Infusion of 
leaves given to women who have fits and spasms during 
childbirth’*. This genus has been recorded previously as 
possessing medicinal properties but not, to my knowl- 
edge, as an antispasmodic.° 
‘The smallest category of ethnogynecological notes re- 
lates to pregnancy. It encompasses only two species, 
[ 840 ] 
